Hi Ads,

This is the only thing I could dig out of the GLUG database: http://www.glug.co.uk/archives/952 but this might be of more use http://www.gadling.com/2005/02/11/how-to-editing-underwater-photos/

Not sure if that’s exactly the article you wanted but it might help.

Cheers

Mark.

Hi Mark
Thanks for that but I think someone had posted a direct link to the filter a good while ago, before that post you found. Can’t remember who or when! I guess I’ll have to try & find the filter in my old computer & see if I can copy it accross to the new laptop (something of a challenge for my limited IT knowledge!!!).

Cheers.
Ads

Hi Adeline
The original was posted by Neil probably towards the end of 2006, but I can’t find it. I do have the filter in my Photoshop plug in folder and can send you a copy if you can get my email address from Mark. If you then contact me I send you a copy of the plug in. The best way of using the filter is to duplicate the background (Photoshop), and use that layer to “bring back the reds”. You can then use the intensity sliders to get the effect you want. I prefer to use the soft light application from the drop down menu and then adjust the contrast/brightness.
Here is another way of getting back the reds: duplicate the background layer, press alt, followed by l, w, o to get the colour fill layer, enter, then type in this number 3a0808 in the number box – a very dark red will be selected. You can select any colour intensity around that value. Press ok, and the image will go very reddish-black. Seclect the soft light application from the drop down menu and then adjust the intensity to suit. Finish off by selecting the brightness/contrast you need and flatten the image.
Hope this helps.
Robert

The other technique is not to lose the reds in the first place. Two key ways spring to mind:

1. if you’re shooting natural light and not using flash, then set the manual white balance – but don’t forget to reset it every time you move up or down more than a couple of metres (you can do it on your hand and it’s relatively quick and easy – depending on the camera…)

You can also use the white balance picker in photoshop or Lightroom to reset the colours, but if you had the flash on it will give your images a pink tinge…

2. get close – so that the flash actually hits the subject and lights up the colours. A rule of thumb for this is that if you think you’re close enough, move closer…

Alan

Hi All
Thank you for all your tips. I only have ‘Elements’ and do not know much about layers and stuff but you kinda made me want to learn more!
Ads

Hi Alan

Nice to have your reply. However not all compact digital cameras have a white balance function, or one might not want to buy a strobe. So it’s as well to know how to get back some of the reds.

Robert